Chances of Conception
The likelihood of becoming pregnant is highest in a person's 20s to early 30s. Approximately 80 percent of people will become pregnant in the first six months of trying, though this may be lower in those in their late 30s and 40s. Infertility is defined as not becoming pregnant within 12 months of regular unprotected vaginal intercourse, though if you are over 35, evaluation is generally recommended after 6 months.
The Fertile Window
As discussed in "The Menstrual Cycle," if you have regular cycles, the highest chance of getting pregnant is the day before ovulation. However, because sperm can survive to three-to-five days in the female reproductive tract, the fertile window typically starts around five days before ovulation.
Probability of Pregnancy Resulting from Recurrent Intercourse by Female age and Cycle Day
Adapted from Joseph B. Stanford, David B. Dunson, Effects of Sexual Intercourse Patterns in Time to Pregnancy Studies, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 165, Issue 9, 1 May 2007, Pages 1088–1095, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwk111.
Myth versus Fact
Having sex every day is necessary to get pregnant: MYTH
Many patients worry that sex must occur every day during the fertile window in order to maximize chances of pregnancy. However, sex every day or every other day results in a similar pregnancy rate if within the fertile window.
Smoking decreases the chances of pregnancy: FACT
If you are a current smoker or exposed to second-hand smoke, one of the best things you can do for your fertility and future pregnancy (and general health) is to quit. Smoking may negatively affect ovarian reserve (how many eggs you have left in your ovaries) as well as increase the risk of pregnancy loss once you are pregnant.
Some lubricants may decrease pregnancy rates: MYTH (most likely)
Prior studies have shown that lubricants may decrease sperm motility in the lab, but this does not translate to a decrease in pregnancy rates when used during sex. If you prefer, you may also switch to using a fertility-friendly lubricant such as Pre-Seed.
Certain positions are better for conceiving: MYTH
Sperm move remarkably fast, and they can be found within the Fallopian tubes within 15 minutes of intercourse! Furthermore, there is no evidence that position during sex affects pregnancy rates. There is also no relationship between female orgasm and fertility.